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The new Show Mode and Show Mode Charging Dock for Fire HD 8 and 10 tablets deliver a full-screen Alexa experience identical to that of Echo Show to customers in the US. When you enhance your voice-first skills in the US for devices with screens, customers can enjoy them on Echo Show, Echo Spot, Fire TV Cube, and now Fire HD 8 and 10 tablets.

How Customers Experience Alexa Skills on Fire Tablets

Through Show Mode, a software update for Fire HD 8 and 10 tablets, customers have the ability to toggle between an Echo Show and tablet interface. When in Show Mode, customers experience skills the same way they would on an Echo Show. The Show Mode Charging Dock props up the Fire tablet and defaults it to Show Mode while charging, making it even easier for customers to enjoy hands-free Alexa skills the same way they would on Echo Show.

Design Engaging Voice-First Experiences for Devices with Screens

If your Alexa skill already supports screen displays, it will work in Show Mode with no changes required. If your skill does not yet support displays, here are some tips for designing voice-first experiences that prove engaging across all Alexa-enabled devices:

Voice needs to be the primary interaction method with Alexa, even when designing for devices with screens. Consider the display as a way to enhance your skill. Design your voice interaction first, then think about how you can add visual elements to support display on Alexa-enabled devices with a screen.

It is essential that you choose the right templates to develop visual experiences that work across devices.

When designing for screen devices, it is important that your content is easy to consume. Consider brevity, arrangement, and pacing when you are writing your dialogue and designing your visuals.